8-year-old Putts for Veterans

Patrick practices putting.

Patrick is not your average kid, even if not at first glance. At eight years old, Patrick has thick, brown hair, loves sports (especially golf),  and has a smile that could make your heart melt. But Patrick is more than just your average 2nd grader--Patrick is trying to make a difference in the lives of wounded American soldiers.

Patrick's class in Oldsmar, Florida, was given the task to "find a way to make the world a better place." Many of his classmates decided to donate an afternoon at churches or charities, but Patrick wanted to do something more, something BIG.

With the help of his mother, Nicole, Patrick searched online for local charities and discovered the Healing Heroes Network. Patrick's grandfather and great-grandfather are veterans, and even though Patrick is too young to have experienced the tragedy of 9/11, he knows of the sacrifices that our brave military must make to protect freedom.

"I want to help injured veterans get better so they can enjoy the freedom they fought for," said Patrick. "Some return with injuries you can see, and some have wounds on the inside. But all should be able to get help so they can get better."

Patrick at HHN's Golf Tournament,
"Golfing For Heroes" 2012

To make the BIG difference he wants, Patrick is organizing a Putting Challenge at Eastlake Woodlands Country Club, called Patrick's Putt. The event will take place on Sunday, May 6, 2012, from 8 am to 12 pm. For a $5 donation, golfers can attempt a putt. Whoever is closest to or makes the putt will win a prize. For those who aren't interested in the putting contest but still want to help, they can donate in increments of $1, $5, and $10 for a cut-out to honor our veterans. The cut-outs will be displayed inside the clubhouse at Eastlake Woodlands.

It's taken many hours to set up this event for his school project, but Patrick doesn't mind. He's proud of all the good work he's doing, and he hopes it will encourage others to also get involved.

"If we all do or give one small thing, it will add up to make a BIG difference!